Progesterone is an essential hormone that is involved in more than just reproductive phases. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," progesterone is essential to the renin-agiontensin-aldosterone system and the metabolism of reproductive and stress hormones within the body. For instance, "Integrative Medicine" states that deficiencies in progesterone can increase the likelihood of premenstrual syndrome. A common condition, PMS occurs in approximately 40 percent of menstruating women and can be alleviated by giving progesterone. In fact, 83 percent of women experience relief of PMS symptoms with progesterone treatment.
Significance
Progesterone is the feel-good hormone of the body. When it is present in sufficient quantities, a person is more relaxed and able to cope with stress. Progesterone is intimately involved in the metabolism of the glucorticoid or stress hormone called cortisol. The biosynthesis of progesterone starts with a parent hormone called pregnenolone, which comes from the transformation of cholesterol, according to "Comprehensive Gynecology."
"Williams Textbook of Endocrinology" states that the major site of hormone metabolism is the liver. Progesterone is then converted to other sexual hormones, cortisol and also through the mineralocorticoid pathway to aldosterone. Due to its relationship with cortisol, progesterone lowers depression, anxiety and tension.
Progesterone also plays a vital role in pregnancy. During the first seven weeks of gestation, progesterone maintains the endometrial lining, preventing miscarriages of the fetus.
Normal Levels
According to Natural-Hormones.net, normal levels of progesterone vary according to the menstrual cycle as well as the cycle of a woman's life. During the reproductive years, progesterone ranges from 8 to 10 nanograms per milliliter. While a woman is pregnant, her progesterone should be around 16 ng/ml. Pre-menopausal states have characteristic declines in progesterone, leading to the lowest levels during menopause of 0.1 to 0.8 ng/ml. Post-menopausal levels reside around 1 ng/ml. In a woman of reproductive years, progesterone levels less than 8 ng/ml are either indicative of the pre-ovulation phase of her menstrual cycle, or if she is experiencing symptoms, indicative of progesterone deficiency, which can lead to early menopause.
Causes
Deficiencies in progesterone can be caused by chronic stress, polycystic ovary disease which includes insulin resistance, excessive estrogen production, menopausal states, malnutrition and hormonal medications. Other causes related to pregnancy include chromosomal defects and spontaneous abortions, according to "Comprehensive Gynecology."
Signs and Symptoms
According to "Comprehensive Gynecology," low levels of progesterone can lead to spontaneous miscarriage of a fetus before the sixth week of gestation, premature labor and infertility. "Integrative Medicine" states that low progesterone produces symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and vaginal dryness. General signs and symptoms include difficulty concentrating, memory loss, depression, irregularity of the menstrual cycle, irritability, frequent urinary tract infections, strong menstrual cramps, joint pain, breast tenderness, dry skin, hypoglycemia, fatigue and lack of libido.
Treatment
Treatment for progesterone deficiency include birth control pills, synthetic pharmacological derivatives of progesterone such as prometrin, natural compounded progesterone capsules and progesterone creams. Practitioners generally suggest oral progesterone for more severe deficiencies.
References
- "Comprehensive Gynecology" 5th ed.; Vern Katz, M.D., et al.; 2007
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" 17th ed.; Anthony Fauci, M.D., et al., eds.; 2008
- "Williams Textbook of Endocrinology" 11th ed.; Henry Kronenberg, M.D., et al.; 2008
- "integrative Medicine" 2nd ed.; David Rakel, M.D.; 2007
